columbiana today 2016

Winter 2016 A Publication for Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School

Alumni, Parents, and Friends

COLUMBIANA TODAY

Our New Middle School... coming 2016

Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School5 West 93rd Street

New York, NY 10025www.cgps.org

www.cgps.org/alumni

Editor & Graphic Design Helene Lowenfels ’01

Printing Puritan Capital

Hollis, NH

© 2016 Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School

Columbiana Today, a magazine that celebrates

the diverse and vibrant Columbia Grammar & Prep

School community and alumni,is published annually

by the CGPS Development/Alumni Office.

Headmaster Dr. Richard J. Soghoian

Development OfficeDirector of Special Events

Anna Fisher

Director of Alumni Relations & Communications

Helene Lowenfels ’01

Development Assistant Mary Okoth

Interim Director of DevelopmentSara Ziff

Contributing PhotographyCP Sports Photo Corp.

Hillary Harvey Geof Hinds

Elaine KingmanHelene Lowenfels ’01

Please send mailing and e-mail address updates to the Development Office:

[email protected]

Visit our websitewww.cgps.org

www.cgps.org/alumni

contents winter 2016COLUMBIANA TODAY

On Campus

Alumni

2 Development Office Update

3 From the Headmaster 4 CGPS Goes (Even More) Green

6 Culture Corner

8 Prep School Athletics

12 Technology Update

13 From the Clubs

14 CGPS After 3PM

15 Inaugural CGPS Talk

16 Second Annual Columbia Cares Day

18 Alumni & Alumnae Basketball Tournaments

20 Arts & Letters

22 Entrepreneurial Alumni

24 Remembering

26 Births

28 Class Notes

38 Alumni Happenings

40 Sound Bites

42 CGPS Courtships

44 93rd Street News

THE THIRD CENTURY FUND

Is an annual fund that is used to support the School’s capital needs.

Your gift to the Third Century Fund, no matter the size, helps us fund the ongoing expansion and renovation of the School’s physical campus. Gifts also help Columbia Grammar & Prep to enrich our academic programs through the purchase of new equipment and technology.

PLEASE PARTICIPATE!

We need the help of our parents, alumni and friends to make it all possible. Please make a gift to Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School……today!

For more information contact Sara Ziff, Interim Director of Development, at [email protected].

Make your gift online at: www.cgps.org/giving/donate.

help us build something wonderful!We are building two floors on top of our 36 West 93rd Street building. By next fall, we will have created 17,000 square feet of beautiful new space for a self-contained Middle School for grades 5 to 7.

Your Support is Important To Us!

Thank you!2 | Winter 2016

Development Office Update

It will include: • 17 classrooms• 3 science labs• 1 library / digital information center• 1 computer lab

Plus:• An expanded cafeteria that will double in size• Offices for learning specialists• New rooftop play yard

Dear Parents, Alumni and Friends,

As we begin a new chapter for our school, I want to take this opportunity to recognize and thank four very special individuals to whom we all owe an enormous debt of gratitude:

Jerry Heymann, Neil Crespi, Dr. Arturo Constantiner and Dr. Lawrence Howard.

Each of these individuals was a former parent who served on the Board in a variety of capacities but ultimately as President of the Board of Trustees respectively. Individually and collectively, they played an absolutely critical role in our growth and renewal over these past three decades. As a result of their leadership and generosity, we were able to build state-of-the-art facilities, pay our faculty and staff the highest salaries in the city, and fundamentally make CGPS what it is today, namely, one of the finest private schools to be found anywhere.

While they are no longer playing an active role as Trustees, I want to thank each of them on behalf of the entire school community for their dedication, commitment and unwavering support of our school. We remain forever grateful.

Sincerely,

Dr. Richard J. SoghoianHeadmaster

From the Headmaster

Neil CrespiDr. Arturo Constantiner

Jerry Heymann

COLUMBIANA TODAY | 3Dr. Lawrence Howard

Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School recently joined the Green Schools Alliance. This means that we are formalizing our commitment to becoming a more sustainably minded institution. It’s a commitment we’ve taken seriously for the last six years.

WE’RE REDUCING WASTE:We have made great strides towards becoming a sustainable school by reducing waste. We now provide more recycle bins throughout the Grammar School, 5th graders carry around their own reusable water bottles, and bulk snacks have been introduced. We have gone paperless with report cards, student files and health documents. We are encouraging students to try and be mindful of the amount of paper products they use during lunch, and to use both sides of a piece of paper before reaching for a new sheet. In science, students are starting to do digital projects that don’t necessarily need to be printed out. These are just a few examples of this new mindset.

WE’RE TEACHING SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES:We are committed to integrating sustainability as a core concept in our curriculum. Five years ago, Simone Hristidis, Head of Lower School, created a position for an environmental science teacher. Stephanie Avena has been building our best practices in sustainability through environmental science lessons that serve to enhance a curriculum that is already in place. For example, at the start of the school year, fourth graders help run a farmer’s market supporting local farmers. They also participate in 10 weeks of lessons geared to help them understand how their behaviors as consumers impact their health, the community, and the environment. In 3rd grade students learn important lessons about how the Hudson River became polluted and what sorts of organizations are cleaning up the river. In addition to curriculum, we’ve added events like the Green Breakfast, which supports local foods and local farmers. Over the years Green Week has morphed into Green Month (April) and 3rd through 5th graders enjoy visits from the BioBus, a hands-on

science laboratory. Our annual recycled art contest offers Grammar School children a chance to upcycle old discarded materials to create something new and useful. Each April there is a different sustainability theme. Our most recent theme was Environmental Stewardship. Many classrooms participated in Central Park’s Pitch In, Pick Up! program, where students helped collect trash in the park. At the school, we’ve invested in raised planting beds in the space behind our science labs, so that students can experience planting seeds, and conduct simple experiments. Fourth graders have started brainstorming energy saving themes like “lights off” when not in the classroom and 1st and 2nd graders are gearing up *to educate others about recycling our smoothie containers properly. The green team is looking to promote school-wide challenges which would provide spirited ways of improving our practices when it comes to recycling and waste management.

CGPS GOES (EVEN MORE) GREEN

4 | Winter 2016

WE’RE MAKING SUSTAINABILITY AN EVERYDAY PRIORITY:Stephanie Avena, head of the Green Team, said, “One of our goals as a team is to include students and staff in sustainability projects throughout the year, not just during April sustainability month. We want sustainability to become an ‘everyday’ mindset, and an even bigger part of our school culture.” By all accounts, CGPS is off to a great start.

Written by Stephanie Avena, Sustainability Coordinator

COLUMBIANA TODAY | 5

ELF THE MUSICALCGPS 7th, 8th and 9th graders performed ELF the Musical December 15-16, 2015.

CULTURE CORNER

Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list, and his stepbrother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Cast: Avery Adelman, Claudio Aguilar, Harrison Ball, Maya Brown, Ethan Dunn, Rachel Freedman, Edward Friedman, Mira Gupta, Jeremy Kogan, Anna Lei Negrin, David Palamar, Charlotte Robbins, Simone Saidmehr, Ariel Sampson, Jesse Smolan; crew: Lily deButts, Alex Rothenberg, Sam Robinson, Anna Segal, Ari Silverman, Juan Otoya Vanini, and Carly Cooper.

The Prep School Theater Department presented Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale November 12-14, 2015.

BLUE STOCKINGS

Tess Moffat and the other female characters are determined to win the right to graduate. But little do they anticipate the hurdles in their way: the distraction of love, the cruelty of the class divide or the strength of the opposition, who will do anything to stop them. The play follows them over one tumultuous academic year, in their fight to change the future of education.

Cast: Cameron Barr-Kotzen, Carly Cooper, Lily deButts, Giacomo Eisler, Eve Gertzman, Anastasia Hristidis, Grace Lambert, Stephen Lederkramer, Daniel Lerner, Emma Levy, Evan Parness, Ajay Roa, Ari Silverman, Emily Weintraub, Samantha Zecca; Crew: Eric Martin, Sam Robinson, Anna Segal, Nicole Pearlman; Stage Managed by Julia Gilstrap, Kyra Cousins and Olivia Mintzer.

6 | Winter 2016

On December 10, 2015 the 5th and 6th grades performed a spectacular winter concert. This year's performances were by the 5th & 6th Grade Wind Instruments group, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Chorus.

The Prep School Winter Concert took place on December 8, 2015 and featured outstanding performances by the CGPS Girls’ Ensemble, Bluenotes, Jazz Improv, Barbershop, Women’s Choir, Uke Club, Prep School Orchestra, Sounds of 7, Jazz Improv, Prep School Chorus, Jazz Band, Columbia Blue, Chamber Emsemble and Concert Chorale.

WINTER CONCERTS


GRAMMAR SCHOOL PRODUCTIONSFourth grade students performed Pirates From Grammar Island on December 9, 2015. The production helps the students remember all of the material they are learning by putting grammar rules to catchy tunes; Fourteen 6th grade students performed their colorful rendition of Alice in Wonderland on Tuesday, January 12 and Wednesday, January 13, 2016.

CULTURE CORNER

Dribble, Dive, Race, Pass,

8 | Winter 2016

Congratulations to all of the Prep School athletes and coaches who repre-sented CGPS on sports teams during the 2014-15 academic year! The individuals below received special recognition at the Athletic Awards Dinner on May 28, 2015:

Senior AthletesRobert ColesMolly Brickman

Scholar Participant AwardChristine Diaz

Al J. Benyak AwardLeah JanoverAndrew Godnick

Coach of the YearStefanie Forman

Two awards for M.C.s Daniel Gardner & Josh Adamson

Fall 2014 Sports

Boys Varsity Soccer Total Record: 12-5-1League: 8-1-1NYCAL regular season runner-upsNYCAL postseason runner-upsMVP: Spencer Cibelli Coaches’ Award:Loomis Quillen

Girls Varsity SoccerTotal Record: 14-4League: 8-0NYCAL regular season championsNYCAL postseason champions

NYSAISAA quarterfinalistMVP: Gabriella KahanCoaches’ Award:Katerina HoekstraIsabella Szpigiel

Boys JV Soccer Total Record: 8-5-1League: 7-2-1NYCAL regular season runner-upsNYCAL postseason runner-ups MVP: Matthew ZlotnickCoaches’ Award:Max Morris

Girls Varsity VolleyballTotal Record: 10-11League: 8-5NYCAL 3rd place regular seasonNYCAL postseason runner upsNYSAISAA participantsMVP: Gabrielle EustacheCoaches’ Award:Lily Highman

Girls J.V. VolleyballTotal Record: 17-4League: 11-2NYCAL regular season championsNYCAL postseason runner-upsMVP: Kiara Rose Coaches’ Award:Daisy Kahn

Boys Varsity Cross CountryBoys NYCAL ChampionsNYSAISAA participantsMVP: Riley Morgan Coaches’ Award:Murray Rosenbaum

Girls Varsity Cross CountryMVP: Victoria SaltzCoaches’ Award:Natalie Brickman

Winter 2015 Sports

Boys Varsity Basketball Total Record: 13-11League: 9-3NYCAL 2th place regular seasonNYCAL postseason championsNYSAISAA quarterfinalistsMVP: Andrew Becil Coaches’ Award:Andrew Godnick

Girls Varsity BasketballTotal Record: 11-11League: 7-6NYCAL 4th place regular seasonNYCAL postseason championsMVP: Danielle Zuckerman, Jordyn DoyleCoaches’ Award:Leah Janover

Boys J.V. Basketball East:Total Record: 4-11League: 4-10MVP: Ethan MillerCoaches’ Award:Elia Levitin

Boys J.V. Basketball WestTotal Record: 16-4League: 12-0NYCAL regular season championsNYCAL postseason championsMVP: Dajour YoungCoaches’ Award:Daniel Gardner

Girls J.V. BasketballMVP: Emma Boockvar Coaches’ Award:Zhane Bady-PuigEllie Marcus

Girls Varsity SwimTotal Record: 8-1League: 7-0ACIS regular season championsACIS postseason championsMVP: Carly FeinblattCoaches’ Award:Devon MagnoneLindsey Fuchs

Ice HockeyTotal Record: 4-9League: 1-4Fieldston Cup 3rd placeMVP: Logan GellerCoaches’ Award:AJ Scavone

Boys Varsity Indoor TrackMVP: Murray RosenbaumCoaches’ Award:Riley Morgan

Girls Varsity Indoor TrackMVP: Victoria SaltzCoaches’ Award:Kate Salerno

Spring 2015 Sports

Boys Varsity Baseball Total Record: 3-8League: 2-5NYCAL 4th place regular season MVP: Jake CohenCoaches’ Award:Ryan Glick

Girls Varsity SoftballTotal Record: 3-5League: 2-5NYCAL 3rd place regular seasonMVP: Arianna PelusoCoaches’ Award:Tessa Wayne

Boys Varsity West TennisTotal Record: 16-4League: 15-3ACIS regular season championsPSAA postseason championsMVP: Joshua CharapCoaches’ Award:Ethan Kimmel

Boys Varsity East TennisTotal Record: 1-9League: 0-8NYCAL 4th place regular seasonMVP: John Van PuijenbroekCoaches’ Award:Alexander Friedman

Girls Varsity West TennisTotal Record: 11-1League: 5-0ISAL tournament 2nd singles, 3rd singles, 1st doubles, and 2nd doubles championsMVP: Kiara RoseCoaches’ Award: Julia Barasch

Boys Varsity GolfTotal Record: 11-1League: 8-0NYCAL regular season championsNYCAL postseason championsNYSAISAA participantMVP: Daniel GardnerCoaches’ Award:Cameron Hsieh

Boys Varsity LacrosseTotal Record: 4-10League: 1-5PSAA 3rd place regular seasonMVP: Loomis QuillenCoaches’ Award:Max PazzagliniNicholas Sen

Boys Varsity Track and FieldNYSAISAA participantBoys NYCAL 3rd place finishersMVP: Raheem WilliamsCoaches’ Award: Murray Rosenbaum

Girls Varsity Track and FieldGirls NYCAL 2nd place finishersMVP: Amanda IrwinCoaches’ Award: Kate Salerno


Run, Shoot, Hit, Spike.... Score!

10 | Winter 2016

FALL

WINTER


SPRING

12 | Winter 2016

PG

Coding for the real world is one of the focuses during the programming unit in Mr. Ross' 4th grade computer classes. Below are two examples:

PRODUCE PRICE MACHINE

Fourth graders are using The Everything Machine app to manipulate the various inputs and outputs of iPads and phones. Students use a basic visual programming language to control devices' camera, microphone, tilt, and vibrate features. This allows them to build little virtual "machines" that detect and react to light, color, proximity, and sound, while learning basic programming concepts. One example that some students created was a Produce Price Machine that detected the color of a vegetable. Once detected, it read aloud the price of the produce with a fun fact. This was used at the school's Farmer's Market.

SPHERO PROGRAMMABLE BALLS

Fourth grade students remotely program Sphero robotic balls to navigate real world obstacle courses, create geometric shapes, and send colored lighted messages. Rather than simply using a remote control to drive the Spheros (like a remote controlled toy car), students must construct programs that send commands to the devices, just like scientists do for the rovers on Mars. In addition, students design and construct "chariots" out of everyday materials like straws, rubber bands, and popsicle sticks for their Spheros to carry cargo.

2 0 1 6@ ) ! ^C S

@TECHNOLOGY UPDATE


As stated by the graduating 2015 seniors in their yearbook, “for students, life in the land of Columbia Prep takes them beyond the terrain of required courses.” Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to participate in a club of their choosing, which as the list below reflects, are as varied as the school’s diverse student body. The clubs allow for lively conversations and a chance to engage in activities that are not programmed into the set curriculum.

Prep School Acting Improv • Art Club • All Songs Considered • Amnesty International • Art Appreciation • Backgammon • Barbershop • Baseball • Battling Gender Stereotypes • Beginning Guitar • Bluenotes • Blue Key • Book Club • Business and Economics • Cartoon and Comics • Chamber Ensemble • Chess • Chinese • Chorus • Columbia Blue • Columbia Impromptu • Computer Science • CGPS Flash • CGPS Sports Website • CPJ (Columbia Prep Journal) • Current Events • CPTV • Dance • Debate Team • Environmental Club • Film Appreciation • Girls Ensemble • Guitar Ensemble • Going Viral • Jazz Band • Knitting • Math Club • MECA • Meditation • Mock Trial • Model Congress • Model UN • Orchestra • Philosophy • Play Reading • Queer-Straight Alliance • Science Book Club • Scrabble • Sounds of 7 • Spanish Club • Snail Santa • Sports Debate • Ukulele • World Issues Charities • Yearbook SPORTS Photo Corps • Young Democrats • Young Republicans

L i k e w i s e , the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students at CGPS have many wonderful opportunities to explore extracurricular interests during the school day through clubs offered as part of their regular schedule. The clubs provide a wide range of activities for the children to investigate.

Grammar School Arts and Crafts • Book Binding • Book Club • Brain Games • Chess • Chorus • Coding • Cooking • Crochet • Dance/Drama • Debate • Greeting Cards and Stationary Design • Guitar • Inkblot Magazine • Jazz Technique and Choreography • Knitting • Math Olympiad • Magic • Music Appreciation • Move It • Newspaper • Orchestra • Paintbrush • Pixel Press • Photography • Science Research • Student Council • Spanish • Swim • Theater Sports • Ukulele • Wind Ensemble • 5th Grade Play • 6th Grade Musical

14 | Winter 2016

The After-School Program at Columbia Grammar was created more than 20 years ago and has grown tremendously over the years. Children participate in a variety of activities for a period of 8-12 weeks each trimester, from 3:00-4:30pm Monday - Thursday and a few classes on Fridays. These activities are designed for children to experi-ence the joy of learning a craft, sport, and skill and while discovering where their interests lie. The mixed-grade classes allow children to make new friends and add to the communal feel at Columbia Grammar. Throughout the years there have been many of-ferings such as soccer, sign language, chess, yoga, basketball, handball, science, inline skating, swimming, cooking, Spanish, drama, musical theater, African dance, computer, sewing, knitting, karate, song writing and so much more. As always, the After-School Program appreciates feedback. If you know of any interesting after-school ideas for the enrichment of the pro-gram, please share with Jeanne Levin, After-School Program Coordinator, at [email protected].

CGPS AFTER 3PM


Natalia Chabebe, who joined the CGPS science department in 2014, delivered the inaugural CGPS Talk in the Prep School theater on October 6th to high school students, faculty and staff. Her topic – the 25th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope. When she’s not teaching high school physics at CGPS, Ms. Chabebe is a Solar System Ambassador to NASA, mentioning that this talk is part of a series that she will present this year through the Ambassador program. She shared one photo for every year that the telescope has been in existence while educating the audience about the history of outer space imaging, as well as the trials and tribulations of the Hubble telescope itself since its evolution. It was especially fascinating to see before and after images of scenes captured in space pre-Hubble and the detail and specificity achieved after its images came to light. As Hubble evolved, the inclusion of infrared and UV light as well as image mounting techniques further enhanced the scenes in space, teaching scientists that there was always more to the story than they previously believed.

Look forward to more CGPS Talks this year. They will be announced on the CGPS website.

Natalia Chabebe was born in Ecuador but spent most of her early education years living in Queens, New York. She moved back to her native Ecuador during her high school years and returned to attend college at Stevens Institute of Technology. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with high honors. Upon graduation she worked as a mechanical design engineer designing, manufacturing, and testing space hardware for the Orion spacecraft. While working full time as an engineer she also obtained a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. These experiences allowed Natalia to follow her passion and love for engineering and science, but they also drove home how rare it was to be a young Latina in engineering, and how necessary it was for there to be more diversity in the STEM fields. After working as an engineer for four years, Natalia transitioned into a teaching career where she felt she could be a role model for young women interested in math and science. Natalia taught high school physics as well as computer-aided design at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica, Queens for two years before joining Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School.

At the beginning of October her Particle Physics class participated in a webinar with NASA on what it takes to live on Mars. The event was titled: NASA’s Digital Learning Network Event Live Video Chat: So You Want To Be A Martian and it was hosted on the NASA DLiNfo channel.

Science Teacher Natalia Chabebe Delivers Inaugural CGPS Talk

On Sunday, November 15, 2015 Grammar School and Prep School students along with their parents - over 300 people - came together to make a difference in the lives of so many others for the 2nd annual Columbia Cares Day. Together the community accomplished so much!

2ND ANNUAL COLUMBIA CARES DAY A HUGE SUCCESS

Assembled 732 toiletry kits for the West Side Campaign Against Hunger’s supermarket style pantry.

Decorated 507 cupcakes/cookies for Goddard’s Thanksgiving Meals for the Homebound.

Assembled 544 sandwich meals for the Coalition for the Homeless.

Designed 100 centerpieces to make the holidays more festive for many homeless, poor and elderly individuals and families in New York.

Created 230 cheery cards for sick children at Mount Sinai’s Pediatric Cardiology Unit and NYU Langone.

Decorated almost 300 bags for God Loves We Deliver that contained special meals for the holidays for a needy person with a serious illness.

Designed beautiful holiday banners for all of the charities donated to.

Delivered 50 Turkeys for the Thousand Turkey Challenge for Thanksgiving dinners for the hungry.

Collected approximately 300 coats plus 3 bags of mis-cellaneous winter items to keep students at an Inwood school and Harlem school warm this winter.

Collected 10 bags of costumes for the Association to Benefit Children.

Prep School students participated in a Food Stamp Challenge and worked at the New York Common Pantry, while several students delivered food to the elderly homebound on the Upper West Side.

16 | Winter 2016

On Saturday, January 2, 2016, 30 alumni from the Classes of 2002 to 2015 returned to 4 West 93rd Street to compete in the 11th annual Young Alumni Boys Basketball Tournament. This time - honored tradition has proven yet again that the first weekend in January wouldn’t be complete without breaking a sweat in the CGPS gyms!

This year, CGPS also hosted its first Alumnae girls basketball game, hosting 10 alums from the classes of 2007 to 2015, perfect for some 5 on 5 tournaments.

Following a series of intense games, players refueled and reminisced with their peers and coaches at a post - game lunch catered by Mani’s Marketplace.

A special thanks to the Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball teams for all their help, and to Coaches Ryan Pettit and Andy Chappell for co-hosting this beloved annual tradition along with the Alumni Office.

Alumni & AlumnaeBasketball Tournaments... GAME ON!

18 | Winter 2016

20 | Winter 2016

Arts & Letters Arts & Letters showcases alumni in the visual arts. In this issue we feature two accomplished and creative alumni.

After graduating from CGPS in 2004 and attending Columbia University, Jordan Ledy moved out to LA in 2010 to attend the University of Southern California Film School. His thesis documentary, It’s Better In Italian, was recently featured at the 2015 Palm Springs International Short-fest, winning three awards: Best Student Documentary – out of approximately 350 films, Best Student Film and runner up for the Audience Award for Best Documentary.

In Italy every major film and television show is dubbed into Italian for exhibition. It’s a tradition that began at the dawn of sound film, when much of the Italian public was illiterate and Mussolini’s fascist regime saw an opportunity to both standardize the Italian language and censor foreign films through dubbing. Today, the Italians are world renown for their mastery of the art of dubbing, but the voice actors that lend their talent to Hollywood’s biggest stars remain largely behind the scenes. It’s Better In Italian

follows three dubbers at different stages of their careers: Roberto Pedicini, a juggernaut talent among the doppiatori and the voice of Kevin Spacey, Javier Bar-dem, Jim Carrey, and many more; Davide

Perino, a 4th generation dubber who has dubbed Elijah Wood since they were both 10-years-old; and Ugo De Cesare, a student of Roberto’s who hopes to break into the notoriously difficult industry. Through their stories, and commentary from a supporting cast of the most prolific Italian dubbers, we discover the difficulty of successfully

practicing this obscure craft, both inside and outside of the loop booth.

Ledy reflects that the first movie he ever made was for his Senior Project at CGPS – featuring Mr. Davis, Mr. Terban, Mr. Puccio and Ms. Dean. It certainly set him on his path to cinematic greatness!

For more information about It’s Better in Italian visit www.betterinitalian.com.

Jordan Ledy ‘04 Writes and Produces Award Winning Documentary


From February 7 - April 4, 2015 DNJ Gallery of Santa Monica, California hosted a solo-exhibition of 28 black and white photographs by Jennifer Bermon '89 titled "Her | Self: Women In Their Own Words."

HerSelf presents body image in a new light. According to Bermon, "I take black and white photos of women and then ask them to write, in their own words, how they feel about the way they look in the photo. The woman's photo and her words become one piece that stands on its own, with no editing and filtering. The viewer, first attracted to the photo, is then further drawn in by the emotions revealed by the words. I first started this project when I was a student at Mills College, wanting to expose and explore the unrelenting negative comments that my friends made about the way they looked. These were intelligent, strong, beautiful women

attending a women’s college. Yet they still felt the need to be thin and attractive in order to be accepted. I wanted to reveal their inner thoughts - those words that they shared with other women in private conversation. Instead of the standard research, articles and opinion polls, women's voices emerge through their own words, allowing us to see how women see themselves. The exhibit also asks the question, "Is what these women see in the mirror a reflection of what society sees, or does what they see come from somewhere within?"

The participants thus far include a history-making NYC firefighter, a woman who has sailed around the world twice, a NASA scientist, an award winning actress, a 74-year-old Rabbi, a Southern reverend, an Academy Award-winning screenplay writer and an Emmy Award-winning television producer. Women in this project begin by examining their

appearance, but delve deeper to explore how factors such as ethnicity, age, goals or upbringing have affected their lives and formed the mirror in which they see themselves. What better way to explore the source of women's body image issues than to see, and hear, from women themselves?

The show has received international attention and has been featured in the Huffington Post, Ms. Magazine, LA Weekly, Maria Shriver’s Architects of Change, and Bitch magazine. It’s also creating a buzz abroad – it’s been in Huffington Post Brazil and on an Australian website. Women from Nigeria, Ireland, New Zealand, Croatia, Poland, Iraq, and Japan are engaging in conversation on social media and commenting on the Facebook page.

Join the group on Facebook by searching HerSelf: Women In Their Own Words and follow Jennifer on Twitter @jenbermon.

HER|SELF : WOMEN IN THEIR OWN WORDS, PHOTOGRAPHS BY JENNIFER BERMON ’89

22 | Winter 2016

As a college senior, Max Haskin ’10 knew he was looking for something different as it

related to career opportunities. He investigated most of the traditional options but knew he

wanted to be in an environment where he could make an impact. That’s when he found Venture For

America, an entrepreneurship fellowship program that matches recent college graduates with start ups in

emerging cities. The company’s mission is to revitalize American cities through entrepreneurship by sending smart, talented individuals to cities that they would not otherwise consider, such as Detroit, Cleveland, and New Orleans. For the fellows, it gives them an opportunity to truly make an impact on a growing business while immersing themselves in a new community. Venture for America also encourages its fellows to take risks and start their own companies. Haskin is currently about six months into his fellowship and is working at a growing financial technology business called DealCloud in Charlotte, North Carolina. DealCloud just closed a round of growth equity, making it an exciting time to be at the company and affords Haskin the opportunity to see how the company grows over the coming months.

Haskin is currently also working on his own business venture - an app called LineHop that he launched with a buddy of his from college. The app is a digital market place that allows users to skip the line at bars. It was launched in Ann Arbor, Michigan in September, and launched in Madison, Wisconsin in January.

To learn more about Venture For America visit ventureforamerica.org or contact Max at [email protected].

ENTREPRENEURS: SPOTLIGHT ON TWO ENTERPRISING ALUMNI


Keeping Business in the FamilyA Mother-Daughter Business Venture Lands on Lexington Avenue

In November 2015 native Upper East Siders Jamie Mandor Glassman ’01, her younger sister Samantha Mandor ’05, and their mother Tanya Mandor opened Mimo Blend, a self-serve juice bar on 71st and Lexington Avenue in New York City.

Mimo, which stands for Make It My Own, is a healthy drink bar that allows you to customize your own unique juice blend. Get a cup (16oz. for $8.00 +tax) and fill it up choosing from over 70 natural ingredients including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, boosters and spices. Mimo’s blenders add in your chosen mixer and blend it into a delicious, nutritious and healthy drink. Create any combination and just use your imagination or use a Mimo Pick, their favorite blends.

“Two years ago we came up with the idea. Blending and juicing can be an intimidating experience, and many places don’t have the customization people would like,” says Mandor Glassman. “We want to give people options in a non-intimidating way, at the same time provide healthy benefits without using yogurt and artificial or chemical ingredients.”

Mimo Blend is an alternative for those who want a fresh drink but don’t have the time or the space. Mimo’s juice ‘baristas’ can also offer their suggestions for clients looking for specific health benefits or to lose weight. Striving for full disclosure, customers are provided with the number of calories and carbs for each ingredient they choose.

Visit Mimo at 987 Lexington Avenue from Monday-Friday, 8am – 7pm; Saturday, 9am – 5pm and Sunday, 10am – 5pm. www.mimoblend.com.

24 | Winter 2016

Born in New York City, Lawrence Lieberfeld ’35 graduated from Columbia Grammar before attending Yale and afterward graduated from the Yale School of Architecture in 1942. He was employed by the Department of the Navy in World War II. He was active on behalf of the reform faction of the New York Democratic Party. He enjoyed singing with choral groups in New York City, including the

Dessoff Choirs, the Canby Singers, the New Amsterdam Singers, and the Amato Opera. After several years as an architect, he became a consultant for a wide range of universities, independent schools, and foundations. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Turner, children Ann Masur of Oak Park, Illinois, and Daniel Lieberfeld of Pittsburgh, grandchildren Kate and Ben Masur and Jesse Lieberfeld, and three great-grandchildren.

Stephen Zagor, son of Howard Zagor ’36, notified CGPS that his father passed away on March 11, 2015. He was always very proud to be an alum and at 6’2” he was proud to be a star of the Varsity basketball team. He was the beloved husband of the late Beverly Zagor, father of Stephen and Patricia Moger, and grandfather of Max. Born on October 21, 1919 he was a former resident of Norwich, Vermont and New York City, a graduate of Columbia Grammar and Dartmouth College, a recipient of the Bronze Star for his service in World War II, a past officer and member of The Harmonie Club and president of Marcel Rochas US and later of Stricker and Zagor, Inc.

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Arnold Heimler ’46 (1929-2015), age 86, on October 27, 2015 in Sarasota, Florida. Born in New York City, he was the son of Walter and Joan Heimler. He was a graduate of Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School and Indiana University, served in the US Coast Guard and was President of Walter Heimler Inc, a manufacturer of costume jewelry, for over 40 years. Loving husband of Audrey for 62 years and father of Ronald, Randy, Richard, and Robert,

father-in-law to Cecilia, Debra, Chris and Jodi, and grandfather to Michael, Jessica, Rachel, Allison, and Joshua. Arnold was known by his dear friends and anyone he met for his kind nature, humility, sense of humor and loyal friendship.

REMEMBERING


Mrs. Robert Simon writes, “I have to inform you that Robert Simon ’49 died on July 23, 2013. Bob graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Psychology in 1953 and served in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army for two years. He continued his studies in psychology and cultural anthropology at New York University, earning a Master’s Degree and completing all the coursework for a Ph.D. Bob’s subsequent career

was as a senior research scientist in mental health at the New York State Psychiatric Institute where he worked for over 35 years. His interests were deep and varied, encompassing World War II history, photography, travel, classical music, and Ohio State football. Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to his wife, Mimi, daughters, Eileen and Valerie, son-in-law, James Anderson, and granddaughter, Rebecca. He is greatly missed by all who knew him and his warm, friendly manner and wicked sense of humor.”

Jerry Romanoff, class of ’53, passed away on April 4, 2015. He lived in Manhattan and Long Beach. After working in the wholesale meat business for more than 40 years, he enjoyed a start-up trademark law practice. Jerry was married to Sheryl Abrams Romanoff. They had three children and eight grandchildren.

Former classmates, students, and colleagues of Alice Ressler Youngman ’60 will be sorry to learn that she passed away on August 18, 2015, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Alice Ressler was a Columbia Grammar upper school student from 1957 to 1960. Popular and active, she was her class secretary and treasurer; worked on the Columbiana and Columbia News; was a cheerleader; played volleyball, basketball, and tennis; and made the Dean's List. She returned to the school after she graduated from college as a physical education, homeroom and 3rd grade teacher in the mid-1960s. Those who knew her in those days as a classmate, student, or fellow teacher will re-member her as a bright woman with a vivacious personality and a caring spirit. Mrs. Youngman leaves behind her husband Bruce; two children, Jason and Elizabeth; and a granddaughter Rachel. For the last several decades she lived in Demarest, New Jersey.

Sara Bauer, sister of Thea Simms ’66, recently informed the CGPS community that Thea passed away on August 25, 2011.

Births in 2015

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Michael Chan ’94 HunterBears Chan was a Memorial Day baby, 2015.

Alison Zack ’95 Alison and her wife, Irene, announced the birth of their son, Levi, in January 2015. Proud grandmother, Carol Zack ‘64, couldn’t be happier.

Joshua Bluestone ’96 Joshua welcomed Judah Myles Bluestone, his second son, in June, 2015.

Julia Lutzke Evans ’98 Ian James Evans was born on May 22, 2015.

Elizabeth Kessler Pustilnik ’99 Elizabeth and her husband, Gregory, welcomed their son, Gideon Matan, to the world at the stroke of midnight on August 20, 2015. The family lives with their two dogs, Sabaka and Kalba, in the Sonoran desert of Tucson, Arizona.

David Silver ’99Bailey Silver was born on July 22, 2015 weighing 8lbs 1oz, 19.5 inches long. Older brother Yaden is very excited.

Brooke Muraskin Vogel ’99 Hudson Jack was born April 11, 2015. Older sister, Hayden, loves him.

Michele Schader Levy ’03 Michele and husband Chris welcomed their first child, Jordan Benjamin, on September 30, 2015.

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ClassNotesSend a class note to your Class Correspondent (see listing on pages 34-6) or contact Helene Lowenfels ’01 in the Alumni Office, 212-749-6200 ext. 298, [email protected].

1945Warren Rieders has recently moved out to sunny San Francisco to live near his son. He is loving California. His telephone number is (415) 941-7272 for any classmates who want to get in touch.

1946Congratulations to the Class of 1946 for Celebrating their 70th CGPS Reunion this year!

1949David Lloyd Klepper writes, “Most of my professional life, after graduation from MIT, Masters Degree in 1957, and Army service 1954-1956, was spent advising religious organizations of all denominations how to maximize beauty of music and understanding of speech in their building. Moved to Israel in 1996, age of 64, because of many positive reasons, not a rejection of the USA. (I have dual citizenship and correspond with friends in the USA via email frequently.) In addition to many technical papers, am co-author of Worship Space Acoustics, www.jrosspub.com. Contributor to website www.audioencyclopedia.com. Still not married.”

1952Richard I. Mateles writes, “I’m still some-what active as a consultant in biotechnology, although I travel less that I used to. My wife and I have three daughters. Two live with their families in Israel, where we spent 12 years, and the other daughter and her family live in the Chicago suburbs. All together we have seven grandchildren and three grand dogs. I haven’t visited CGS in many years nor have I seen any of my classmates for quite a while. I do follow their activities to the extent they appear in the school magazine.”

1955Jay Lewis has been named Managing Director of the International Infrastructure

and Transport Group, LLC, an internation-al consortium of marketing, economic and financial experts. Infratrans activities revolve around developing and financing large scale infrastructure projects around the world. Jay will be responsible for projects relating to the cruise industry: ports, terminals, start-up and development of new cruise lines, and other related industry activities. The company website is infratransgrp.com.


Boris Shlomm and his wife just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their two sons, four grandchildren, family and friends.

Richard Israel writes, “My undergraduate and masters degrees were from the University of Virginia and my doctorate (1967) was from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland. I went from there to Washington, DC to head up the audiology clinic at Gallaudet College, the world’s leading higher ed institution for the deaf. From 1969 to 1971, I was invited to serve as Visiting Professor at Hacettepe University Medical School in Ankara, Turkey where I recruited five students to establish the field of audiology in that country. From that springboard, today there are about 300 audiologists in Turkey. Upon returning the the States, I worked for five years as Program and Services Director at the A.G. Bell Association for the Deaf, again in Washington, DC. Missing clinical work and patient contact, I left A.G. Bell in 1976 and started one of the first private practices in Audiology on the East Coast, unklnowingly pioneering a movement (independent practice) which is now the gold standard for practicing audiologists around the country. I retired in July 2014, and my wife (a communications consultant) and I split our time between homes in Rockville, MD and Nags Head, NC, on the Outer Banks. I am a volunteer reader for the Metropolitan Washington Ear, one of the oldest reading


services for the visually impaired. I have four children and four grandchildren, looking forward to more from our younger sons.”

Warren Levine writes, “I retired (semi) as a chiropractor about 5 years ago. I got tired of sitting around so a got a Chinook dog. He is my constant shadow. Last year, I got another, (same breed). I’m sure you remember Laurel & Hardy. These pups are named Stan & Ollie. (My Ollie is female). We travel to Mexico monthly. (We have a condo in Rocky Point). Occasionally, my wife, Judy, joins us. She’s quite busy as national vice-president for fund raising at Brandeis University. We have 6 grand-children and see them quite often. They range in age from 20 years to 3 months.”

Alan Hanau writes, “It’s been almost 60 years since CGS! Hardly seems possible. I’ve been married to my wife Judy (Bronx Science ’56) for 54 years. We have one daughter who is a lawyer, and two amazing granddaughters.One is a senior at The Eastman School of Music, and the other is a junior at Packer Collegiate.We have lived in Greenwich Village since we were married, and have a wonderful country home in the Catskills. We’ve travelled extensively, and plan to continue doing so. Life is good!!”

Phil Dasher writes, “I was Marketing VP for two major life insurance companies and a Consultant to that industry in both the U.S. and Canada before retiring. I have been teaching Seamanship for the Sarasota Power & Sail Squadron for the past 10 years. I boat , sail, and fish. I am also a certified firearms instructor and enjoy shooting and hunting. Also an avid cyclist. We have two daughters and three grandchildren. The eldest is a Junior at FSU. My wife Myra and I have lived on the water in Sarasota, Florida for 27 years and enjoy family, friends, and traveling together. We will celebrate our 57th anniversary next month.”

Mike Tepper writes, “After college and the U.S. Army I started my career in retail. In 2003 I retired as a Senior VP and General Merchandise Manager for a major regional department store. Since then I have been a guest lecturer at several colleges and organizations conducting seminars on gold and precious metals. I am a volunteer at two hospital cancer centers as well as the American Cancer Society, I enjoy

helping patients select an ACS program that may help them cope with their illness. I have two daughters and five grandchildren. My wife Pam and I have been married for 43 years. We moved to CT from PA 4 years ago to be closer to our daughter and her family. Our other daughter and her family live in Zurich, Switzerland. I enjoy watching high school and college football and playing touch and flag football with my Grandsons. As a former member of the U.S. Army 4th Armored Division Marksmanship Detachment stationed in Erlangen, Germany in the 60’s, I intend to renew my marksmanship skills. Hope to see you all April 30, 2016 at our 60th reunion.”1963Marc Kantrowitz writes, “After retiring from the practice of Veterinary Medicine in 2002, I began a second career, teaching science in the NYC Public School system. I was a founding member of two high schools, became a Dean of Students, chaired the science department, taught Biology, etc. I truly loved the class-room and interacting/teaching/mentoring my students. After ten years (one can only take the bureaucracy and foolishness of the DOE for so long), I retired. Although my wife and I still retain our apartment in NYC, we purchased a house in rural upstate New York and became legal residents of Delaware County where I spend 99% of my time. Keeping busy with volunteer work, maintaining a house and property, fishing, golf, etc. If that wasn’t enough, we just purchased a cute but “evil” nine-week old yellow Labrador Retriever (male).”

1958David Bamberger writes, “The Cask of Amontillado,” an opera by Stewart Copeland for which I wrote the libretto, had its New York premiere in January.”


1971Jody L. Abramson Schoenfeld writes that she is a “retired personal trainer and cardiology office Practice Administrator. Residing in Columbia County, NY with husband Dr. Bart Schoenfeld, 97 year old mom and 35 year old son who is a PhD in Ed Psych. Other 35 year old son is a gastroenterologist in West

30 | Winter 2016

Hartford, CT. Eight year old grandson and six year old granddaughter. Environmental activist. Active Member of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Currently involved in showing my oil paint-ings in several juried and non-juried exhibits.”

1972Fran Kurtis writes, “Just last week Nora Wolf-son and I met for a quick dinner while she was in town from her Oakland, CA home.Nora, June Gottlieb, Leslie Doty and Carol Becker all had dinner last week too. Nora is almost bicoastal, having extended stays in NYC while expanding her consulting business. June sold a big, beautiful apartment to my son Andy and daughter in law Mackenzie this spring, who now live on the same floor as CGPS students! Carol’s oldest daughter headed to Syracuse this fall. Fran has had a busy year selling homes in train line towns in Essex County, NJ. Chazz (Susan) Levi is a dear friend from 6th grade and is at Corcoran during the week and upstate in Red Hook, NY on the weekends.”

1973Paul Fine writes, “What can I say? Sixty is the new 50, but 50 is already “over the hill”? I guess the healthy challenge is to focus less on our age and decline then on continued hopes and joys, less on ourselves and more family, friends, and the fate of the planet. I am still working as a psychotherapist at a community mental health center in Englewood, NJ , helping in raising my 10 year old daughter, and enjoying (and hopefully encouraging) my 27 year old daughter in her new career as an equestrian therapist. Send my regards to everyone.”

Val Lippmann Doran writes, “Now on my third career, my husband and I are pouring and

selling wine in Southern California for my cousin’s winery, Navarro Vineyards (www.navarrowine.com) in Mendocino. We are pouring at food and wine festivals from Palm

Springs to San Luis Obispo, and everything in between. Having a great time and meeting great people. Sorry there aren’t more West Coasters from the class of ’73.”

Stewart Greisman writes, “I have not made much geographic progress over the years. I still live in same Upper West Side building that I lived in when I attended CGS. I practice rheumatology and internal medicine with my wife, Lisa, in the same midtown practice that my father retired from. My 2 daughters and son all attended CGPS, and the girls both graduated from the Prep School. All three children have careers in sciences like their parents - one is a global health physician, one is a large animal veterinarian in upstate NY dairy country, and one is a computational molecular biology researcher. Since we can still be found in the neighborhood and have stayed up to date with activities at the school, we would love to host a class reunion. Please contact me at [email protected].”

Jessica Hentoff writes, “Watch Out for Flying Kids: How Two Circuses, Two Countries, and Nine Kids Confront Conflict and Build Community was published this summer. Written by award-winning author, Cynthia Levinson, the book is about the ongoing partnership between Jessica Hentoff’s St. Louis based youth circus troupe in St. Louis and the Jewish/Arab Galilee Circus in Israel. Jessica and her troupe represented the book at the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival this September where the Washington Post called them the high-light of the Festival. The book is available on Amazon. Jessica also started a Peace Through Pyramids partnership with chil-dren from Ferguson and an affluent Jewish day school. You can learn more at www.circusharmony.org.

Class of ’73 Gathering in 2015



1979Betsy Crane Brandt has written a new novel, The History of Great Things (HarperPerennial) which comes out in April. In a witty, emotionally enveloping dual narrative, she traces the entwined stories of two women—a passionate, strong-willed midcentury classical singer and her conflicted daughter—as each woman attempts to tell the story of the other’s event-ful life.

Lydia Mann writes, “For the last few years my professional life has revolved around booking and managing my boyfriend’s touring career. Leslie is author of the book “Yoga Anatomy,” creator of online courses by the same name, and proprietor of The Breathing Project in NYC. I book and manage teaching tours, develop training materials and assist in the classroom, all while traveling with him approximately a third of the year. My mom, Nancy – still fierce and independent at 86 – and I still live a few blocks from CGPS. My sister, Nora (class of 1976), and her family have lived in Arlington, MA where she has served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for decades as an attorney in the offices of the District Attorney and Attorney General. I remain grateful for the deep and sustaining friendships forged during my time at Columbia Prep. It was such an unusual and rich environment and served me well.”

Penny Brandt Jackson writes, “I am now a full-time playwright and novelist. My play about cyberbullying, I Know What Boys Want, was produced this July at Theater Row in New York City and addresses the dangers of social media. Last May my play Going Up was produced in Dublin with a further production outside of London in 2016. I am now working on a novel based on my play about cyberbullying and am so grateful we didn’t have the Internet when I was at CGPS. My daughter, Natalie, just graduated from The University of Southern California and is back in New York City, pursuing a career in real estate. My

husband, Thomas Campbell Jackson, is a venture capitalist and documentary film producer. I still live on the Upper West Side and am in contact with many of my classmates, including Anmiryam Budner, Elizabeth Danzig and Rachel Sibony. I love London, and travel there at least three times a year! I’m very involved with The League of Professional Theatre Women and am on the advisory board of nobully.org. Hello to all my classmates! www.pennybrandtjackson.com.”

Alex Owens writes, “Another milestone approaches as daughter #1 submits college applications for fall 2016. She’s driving now, which changes everything. Mobility is taken for granted by city kids and it’s amazing how different the family dynamic is when kids have to beg for rides every day! Child #2 is not far behind (photo attached, Catie (l) is 14, Gillian (r) is 17). I am an association executive with Kellen, a professional services company, where I work with the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the College Media Association, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals NYC Chapter. Husband Michael is now 24 years with the Millburn Delicatessen, making the famous Sloppy Joes and Gobblers NJ families crave. I write this the day before Caroline Silk’s 54th birthday. Her memory is warm in my heart as I know it is for so many others in our CGPS ’79 family. Love to all.”


1989Amelia Gold and Severn Taylor met at the hub on Nantucket Island this summer. “We are old friends from CGPS and try to meet up when we are both there.”

32 | Winter 2016


Simon Butler writes that “an amazing thing happened to me recently: I was the subject of a feature story that appeared in the Times of Israel on August 7, 2015, concerning an interview I conducted about 30 years ago--when I was in seventh grade at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School--for Ms. Fraser’s history class. The interview was with two Auschwitz survivors, and Bella Bajnon, and it has since, after I rediscovered it following our move to Manhattan earlier this year, been accepted to the permanent collection of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The recording of the interview was transferred by my wife Trudi Cohen from a cassette tape to an electronic file, and it will soon be available for everyone to listen to on the museum’s website. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions.”

1993Keith TszKit Chan writes, “After working for almost 15 years in direct practice, I graduated with my PhD in social work from Boston College in 2013 and started as a professor at the School of Social Welfare in the University at Albany SUNY. I enjoy teaching, doing research, and finding ways to give back to my community.”

1994Marissa Certilman Zackowitz writes, “I start-ed my company called Marissa Zackowitz Photography (www.marissazackowitz.com). I specialize in lifestyle photography (family

photos, birthday parties...) I am living in Manhattan with my husband, two sons and pup.”

Chloé Jo Davis welcomed her third beautiful son Kingsley Rhodes on March 22, 2015.


Children’s author Caron Levis has a new book coming out February 2016: Ida, Always. Inspired by two polar bears that lived in New York City’s Central Park Zoo several years ago,

Levis (Stuck with the Blooz) takes readers on a reassuring emotional journey that explores friend-ship, love, and loss. Polar bears Ida and Gus spend their days playing, splashing, and listening to the

sounds of the city, but everything changes when Ida becomes terminally ill. Echoing the stages of grief, the friends stomp and snarl upon learn-ing the bad news, then come to an exhausted, quiet acceptance as they begin to share Ida’s dwindling time. Levis’s characterization of caring, supportive friends is spot on; the bears give each other “a moment alone” when needed, and express how much they’ll miss each other. The description of Ida’s passing is brief, poignant, and gentle, as is Gus’s adjustment to life without his best friend. Ida, Always received wonderful reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, and received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, and School Library Journal. Illustrator Charles Santoso and Levis are at work creating a free activity guide that will be available along with the book.

As an art advisor, Amy Sande-Friedman helps new and seasoned collectors with the acquisition and sale of Contemporary art, bridging the gap between her clients and the art world. Visit www.amysandefriedman.com for more information.

Jake Wong graduated from Columbia dental school and opened his own dental practice in Brooklyn.

Amelia Gold & Severn Taylor ’89


Gillian Robespierre is working on an FX pilot for a TV show based on the movie “Obvious Child” which she co-wrote.

Joshua Bluestone writes, “My family welcomed Judah Myles Bluestone, our second son in June, and our oldest son Maximus Logan Bluestone is 4 and in PreK. I started the athletics program at Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School in the winter of 2008-2009. We started with just a boys basketball and boys baseball team and now have 12 teams. We have won the city-wide championship in basketball in 2014, have multiple conference championships, our baseball team is considered a top 10 in the city for small schools, and our program is recognized as one of the top small school sports programs in the city.”

2000Brett Carneiro is an eCommerce marketing executive who (this year) launched his own agency Wild Crown, which specializes in creative storytelling and brand development, focused on all things digital. Currently Brett

and his family split their time between New York City and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Brett’s wife Sara teaches college English Composition, and

over the last three years Brett and Sara have welcomed into their family Charles Robert Carneiro (age 3) and Wren Cynthia Carneiro (age 1). The whole family is obsessed with their Norwich terrier named Paddington.

2001Eve Lateiner and Morielle Lotan reunited in LA on September 19th.

2003Josh Evans married Jenna Spivak on September 6, 2015. He was also recently on Episode 307 of NBC’s The Blacklist. To see more of his work, go to joshlevans.com

Alana Dunietz Scolere writes, “I’ve been liv-ing in Portland, OR for the last 6 years with my husband, Chris Scolere, and two Boxer dogs, Dagny and Seamus. We got married last

summer on a ranch in Central Oregon. I work at Nike as Director of Operations for Soccer Apparel. We are enjoying the outdoors and the laid back lifestyle out West!”

Danielle Bussolini writes, “I got a dual masters degree in Childhood General and Special Education, and my husband and I welcomed our beautiful daughter, Elise, a year ago.”

Ariel Yaroslawitz writes, “A lot of new and exciting things to come! I became engaged at the end of April and soon after moved to Philadelphia with my fiancé Patrick. He is opening a restaurant (called Hungry Pigeon) in a neighborhood called Queen Village and so our move down to Philly had been a long time coming. We will be getting married in August 2016. So far so good and I am enjoying my new city and home!”

Lara Spodek Gillman writes, “in March, we opened our 2nd Cycle House studio location in Santa Monica, CA. Our first is in West Hollywood. We also had a TV show air on E! called Hollywood Cycle which followed the lives of our instructors in and outside of the studio. My co-owner and partner, fellow CGPS 2003 alum, Josh Aghravi, recently moved out to Los Angeles to spend more time on the business.”

Ben Zises attended the annual CGPS faculty and staff holi-day party with girlfriend and Kindergarten teacher, Ashley Grossman, making sure to snag a photo-op with Lourdes.

2004Stacy Schwartz, CEO and co-founder of Ketanga Fitness Retreats, celebrated the company’s one year anniversary of producing fitness events and trips around the world in partnership with leading trainers, studios and brands. Visit KetangaFitness.com for more info.

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Michael Rohn writes, “I got married over the summer in Sonoma California. Two CGPS alums, David Rohn and Benjamin Verdi, were in the wedding party.”

2007Ruby Goldsand married Benjamin Noren on November 21, 2015. They were married at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City. Benjamin is a lawyer at Hinshaw and Culbertson LLP and Ruby is the Retail Brand Manager for eyewear company, Warby Parker. They live in SoHo and are traveling to Thailand and Cambodia for their honeymoon!

2008Andrew Weitzman writes, “I married my College *Sweetheart, Marie Plaine, in Virginia on October 24th. Marie works in wealth management here, and I am working at ACE insurance company and getting my MBA from NYU after work.”

Amanda Mondre writes, “This past summer I moved to Los Angeles, California and have been working at Don Mischer Productions. While working here we produced The 67th Primetime Emmy Awards as well as the Break-through Prize: Scientists Changing The World.” However, I will be moving to work at Rogers & Cowan as an Account Coordinator starting at the end of November.”

2014Suzanne Zubkoff

[email protected]&

Perry [email protected]

&Kala Deterville

[email protected]

2013Rebecca Rosenthal [email protected]

2012Zoe Shankweiler

[email protected]&

Jacqueline [email protected]

2011Pooja Parikh

[email protected]&

Max Damashek [email protected]

[email protected]

2010Arielle Franklin

[email protected]

2009Elizabeth Pullman

[email protected]&

Jessica [email protected]

2008Amanda [email protected]

&Alexandra Franklin

[email protected]

2007Amanda Gluck

[email protected]&

Racine [email protected]

2006Blake Zaretsky

[email protected]&

Gaby [email protected]

[email protected]

Thank you to all Class Correspondents for collecting the news of your

classmates. If you’d like to volunteer to be a Class Correspondent please contact Helene Lowenfels at [email protected]


2005Dustin Blank

[email protected]&

Natalie [email protected]

2004Peri (Gutstein) [email protected]

&Kim Matza

[email protected] [email protected]

2003Ali Smolens

[email protected]

2002 Caroline Berley Endzweig

[email protected]

2001Doug Sonnenshein

[email protected]

2000Ashley Stark Kenner

[email protected]

1999Brooke Muraskin Vogel

[email protected]&

Crystal [email protected]

1998 Russell Dinstein

[email protected]

1997Dana [email protected]

1996Justin Blitz

[email protected]&

Robert [email protected]

1995Benjamin Careathers

[email protected]

1994Marissa Certilman Zackowitz

[email protected]

1992Andrew Spatz

[email protected]&

Stacey Weckstein [email protected]

1989Geoff Alexander

[email protected]

1988Melanie Liss Cohen

[email protected]

1987Evan Flamenbaum

[email protected]&

Emily Jarvis [email protected]

1986Katherine (Susskind) [email protected]

1985Rachel Talbot

[email protected]

1984Dan Frommer

[email protected]

1983Joshua Abelson

[email protected]

1980 Donna Silbert

[email protected]

1979Rachel Lee Sibony

[email protected]

Thank You Class Correspondents!

36 | Winter 2016

1978Laura Adler

[email protected]

1973Stewart [email protected]

1972Fran Kurtis

[email protected]

1971 Pam Roth

[email protected]&

Beth [email protected]

1970Barbara Cohen

[email protected]

1964Carol Pomeranz [email protected]

1962 Francine Asher Holtzman

[email protected]

1960 Stephen Daroff [email protected]

&Jonathan Schein

[email protected]

1956 Michael Tepper

[email protected]@gmail.com

1955Jay Lewis

[email protected]&

John [email protected]

1945Harry “Skip” Ungar

(908) 889-6326

Warren Rieders(415) 941-7272

Jean Colaio, SSD Coordi-nator/Learning Specialist in the Learning Resource Center, wrote and self published a personal memoir in 2014 titled That Day-My Story of September 11th. The book is dedicated to the memory of her two late brothers, Mark and Stephen Colaio, who were

tragically killed in the terrorist attacks.

“…only a few blocks away when the Twin Towers fell, Colaio and her young son manage to escape in a flurry of chaos and confusion. Recalling in vivid detail the devastation and confusion of that fateful day, as well as the agonizing moments of suspense during the days that followed, Colaio provides an unprecedented glimpse into the heart of the personal and national grief that touches America to this day. Readers join Colaio on her journey from indescribable pain to a place where her brothers’ memories bring her the strength to keep going….”

Notably, 2016 marks the 15th anniversary of this horrific day. Focusing on the positive, in Colaio’s words, “over this period of time, a truly great 9/11 support system has been developed–charities have been made and friendships have been formed.”

The book can be purchased on Amazon.com and a portion of the proceeds is given to a charity that was formed in the spirit of her brothers on a subject close to her heart: A Lasting Mark. It is an organization to raise awareness/funding for research for Linear Scleroderma conducted by Dr. Thomas Lehman at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Jean volunteers as a docent with the 9/11 Tribute Center located at the 9/11 Memorial. The 9/11 Tribute Center provides a personal and educational look into the significant impact of 9/11 in our country’s history and in shaping its future. Jean has a strong love for New York City and is thankful to be a part of the CGPS community.

FACULTY


“Anything honest to sell books’: Walt Whit-man and the Autograph Monster,” an essay by Dr. Eric Conrad, Prep School English teacher, was published in the Walt Whitman Quarterly Review, a peer-reviewed academic journal. The article examines Whitman’s use of his autograph as a promotional device during the nineteenth century, a time when American authors were first learning to contend with the peculiar challenges of modern literary celebrity.

Steve Davis, Prep School music teacher, performed Mahler’s Symphony No.9 in the trombone section of the New York Repertory

Orchestra led by David Leibowitz, Music Director/Conductor at the Church of St. Mary in New York City on Decem-ber 12, 2015.

Maria Jeffers, Grammar School music teacher, is now playing a show on Broadway! She writes, “after years of subbing on and off Broadway I am very happy to be the cellist for a brilliant new play by Mike Bartlett starring Tim Pigott-Smith. It is a play called King Charles III and is playing at the Music Box Theater through January 31. It is about the near future in Great Britain and what will happen with the royal family when Queen Elizabeth passes on. There just two instrumental musicians for this production, cello and oboe, and we sing too!”

Renee Rivera, Prep School Athletics teacher and coach, has spearheaded the Dig Pink campaign at CGPS since 2013 where the Girls’ Volleyball Teams join thousands of teams across the country participating in the “Dig Pink” National Breast Cancer Awareness Rally to raise funds for breast cancer reserach. 2014 and 2015 were the first 2 full campaign years involving all Volleyball teams, and as a community we raised $7,486!

Ann Sayari, 5th grade teacher, writes, “this holiday season finds Ann Sayari training to be a Tax Prep Volunteer for New York Cares.

Ann says that being an empty nester has given her the opportunity to turn some of her energy from family demands to community work. Tax Prep Volunteers help low-income New Yorkers recoup an average of $1400 per filer in refunds and credits. While Ann admits that she finds doing paperwork at home less than beguiling, she’s looking forward to helping people with work that will have a direct and positive impact on their bottom line.”

Bess Seewald, Prep School science teacher, writes, “my husband Andy and I welcomed our second child, Samuel (Sammy) Martin, on July 29. He joins big brother David, now 2.”

Michelle Schackman, Prep School English teacher and Coordinator of Student Activities, married Jonathan Fayer on July 25th

at Crossed Keys Inn in Andover, New Jersey. “It was one of those lovely, no humidity days - we were so lucky! And we were surrounded by family and friends, including a great CGPS crew, past and present!”

Marvin Terban, long-time Latin and English teacher, and his wife spent the 2015-16 Winter Break traveling through India from New Delhi to Mumbai. They fulfilled a dream of seeing the Taj Mahal and of visiting Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, as well as taking two wild, bouncing safaris through Ranthambore National Park, a world famous tiger preserve, in search of its elusive tigers, which true to their reputation, remained elusive. The Terbans were struck by the contrast between the magnificent palaces of the maharajahs and the saddening poverty on the streets. Though they were fascinated by the sites they saw in India, they were glad to return to New York, where it is rare to see a cow walking along the sidewalk.

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Alumni Happenings

On Friday, October 2, 2015, the class of 2010 met for a five–year reunion at Formerly Crows, a bar on Washington Place owned by fellow alumnus Marshall Mintz ’89. About 70 people joined in the festivities! It was a night of sharing stories, reliving memories and catching up. A big thank you to event co-chairs Alexa Greenfield and Arielle Franklin for organizing the event and to Marshall for generously donating his space to CGPS.

The Girls Soccer program had its first Alumnae game this year on May 27, 2015 and it was a great success - the alums had a really fun time, playing 5 on 5 indoor soccer with a bunch of current players there to cheer them on. Between quarters, the girls relaxed, enjoyed music and the company of Coach Chappell's dog Pokey. But the game was hard fought with the Blue Team (Lucy Rubin ’14, Sarah Porder

’10, Jess Bonaventura ’13, Lauren Laufer ’14 and Morgan Weinstein ’14) the winners by a score of 8-6 over the white team (Rebecca Mondre ’05, Lily Ockert ’05, Kate Smallberg ’04, Ella Rubin ’14 and Madison Rosegarten ’14). Current players Katerina Hoekstra, Isabella Szpigiel, Victoria Eavis, Alison Peikin, Rebecca Mantel and Nina Feldman were there enjoying the company of their former teammates as well. Nicola Shackman ’12 stopped in to cheer on the teams.

This is just the first year of what will surely become a great and growing tradition for years to come. Thanks to all the alums for coming out!


On Saturday, May 16, 2015 alumni from the class of 1955 reunited to celebrate their 60th CGS reunion at the Park Restaurant in downtown Manhattan, having traveled from Florida, Massachusetts, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut and around New York City to attend the festivities. The weather cooperated and members of the class, along with their spouses and guests, dined outdoors facing the High Line.

In attendance were Joel Bernstein, Michael Goodman, Jay Lewis, John Levy, Jay Dengrove, Allan Rosen, Edward Talley, Peter Stern, Frank Simon, James Greilsheimer and Richard Engelman. Their paths since CGS have been varied – two became doctors and three are practicing lawyers, while others entered the fields of finance, accounting, education, electronics, sales and real estate.

Mr. Lewis provided the class with a timeline of events that made headlines in 1955 as well as a roster of the Eternal Study Hall, honoring those in the class who have sadly passed on since graduation: Joe Karlin, Phil Klukoff, Sam Divak, Steve Levy, Roger Lillenfeld, Don Wallach, Walter Bogart, Stuart Davis, Bob Ganger, Peter Sachs, Denny Stern and Marshall Braunschweig.

The class presented Alumni Director Helene Lowenfels ’01 with a celebratory 1955 class gift that was presented to the class of 2015 at their Moving Up Day ceremonies on Friday, May 29th.

A special thank you to class representatives Jay Lewis and John Levy for organizing such a festive reunion experience. Here's to the 65th!

The Class of 1955 Celebrates 60 Years of Friendship

Alumni Happenings

I remember the first day Dr. Soghoian walked into CGPS. He has been such an amazing force, building and growing our school, with such a steady and kind demeanor. We will miss him!

- Katherine J. Kornblau-Susskind ’86

Sound Bites

40 | Winter 2016

There’s a special feeling at CGPS, where everyone is there to help you. From Lourdes at the front desk, to teachers reserving an entire period every 6th school day just for anyone that may have any questions, it shows the true dedication of the school to their students. And everyone is willing to look out for you and care for you with a great deal of passion. I miss all of the faculty that have taught me over the years. And I am definitely going to make you proud!

- Claudio Torres ’15

Columbia is my beginning, it’s my happy place, it’s my home. These truths were unimaginable when I showed up on the first day of 7th grade, at a school I had never heard of and knew no one at. Twenty years later I get to go back to Columbia every morning, when I drop my son off for 1st grade. Nothing makes me happier then to watch him walking the same (slightly renovated) halls that I walked down, swimming on the swim team for Coach Spellman (in a slightly warmer pool) just like I had done, and learning, growing and becoming a better person at Columbia.

- Robert Rosenberg ’96 Parent ’27

I would say that one of my all-time best “academic” experiences at Columbia Prep was Joel Doerfler’s class “Films of the 1940s.” Many of the films, and the discussion that we had around them, still stand out in my mind- The Grapes of Wrath, Casablanca, Double Indemnity, Adam’s Rib. We would have screenings every week at someone else’s house, which seemed (at least to me!) to be the height of fun and sophistication. I think it was my best class ever, college and graduate school included. Nowadays I often think about how lucky I was to have been able to take such a class in high school.

- Nadia Malinovich ’86


I graduated in 1983 and I want to mention Mr. Drug, who taught me biology in my senior year. I transitioned into teaching (6 years ago) and although I primarily teach English language and literature, I have always enjoyed biology owing in part to Mr. Drug and his classes. He was not the most "fun" teacher I had, but he did inspire. This year is my first teaching high school biology and I hope that I too leave my students with a love of the science.

- Iris Karev ’83

Columbia will always have a place in my heart, since kindergarten I’ve considered it a second home. I’ve made lifelong friends and learned so much from all of the faculty. I feel so lucky to be a part of the Columbia community.

- Emma Matarasso ’15

42 | Winter 2016

Claire James ’03 & Ethan Ravetch ’03

“Ethan and I started dating right after we graduated from high school. I had hoped he would ask me to the prom before that, but he wasn't very good at reading signals back then and he ended up not even attending the party. We were long distance throughout college, which wasn't too difficult since he was at UPenn and I was at Johns Hopkins. After college we moved in together, got engaged while I was clerking and he was applying to medical school, got married a year and a half later while I was at Skadden and he was in medical school and we had our son, Kermit, on February 24, 2015! Kermit is almost a year old, I am now at Kirkland & Ellis and Ethan is a surgery resident at Montefiore.”

CGPS Courtships Love bloomed for these three couples on West 93rd Street

Class of 2004 graduates, Michael Sonnenshein & Natalie Raps, became engaged over the Thanksgiving holiday 2015.

Madeleine Rumely ’03 & Zachary Naidich ’05

“Zach and I re-met at Jon Schreiber’s ’05 wedding on October 10, 2010. We didn't stay in touch after school and it had been 9 years since I had seen any of the people in this picture, excluding Jon. Zach and I flew back to NYC together and went and got coffee a few times. The rest, as they say, is history.”

Photo taken at CGPS for their 10 year reunion in 2014


Save the Date!

reunion 2016reminisce, reconnect, renew

day

Saturday, April 30th, 20163-6pm

For the classes of 1946, 1956, 1966, 1976, 1986, 1991, 1996 & 2006

Columbia Grammar & Prep School 26 West 94th StreetNew York City

Questions?Please contact Helene Lowenfels ’01Director of Alumni Relations [email protected] (212) 749-6200 ext. 298

Ninety-Third Street News

44 | Winter 2016

CGPS families, faculty and staff packed the fall inspired North Gym on October 13, 2015 to celebrate national Food Day. And what a celebration it was! A multitude of cuisines were available for everyone to sample from local restaurants and organizations.

Congratulations to all the CGPS Chess Lions who played at the National School Grade K-12 Championships in Orlando Florida. Sixth Grade secured 2nd Place!

Jeff Zucker, current President of CNN Worldwide and CGPS parent, spoke to CGPS Juniors and Seniors on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. His topic: “The Media’s Impact on History & History’s Impact on the Media.” Mr. Zucker’s talk was presented by the History Department.

In his first literary appearance at an American high school, award-winning Chilean writer Alejandro Zambra met with students in Dr. Conrad’s Contemporary American Literature class as well as upper-level Spanish students to discuss his novel Ways of Going Home.

Columbia Grammar & Prep’s longstanding fall tradition continued on Monday evening, November 23, 2015 with the hugely popular Columbia on Ice skating party. Bundled up against the cold night, more than 1,200 Grammar and Prep School students, parents, faculty and staff, and friends joined together to celebrate the CGPS community and to ring in the start of the holiday season.

With words by George Gordon (drama teacher) and music by Isidor Gorn (music teacher), the Columbia Grammar School Alma Mater was formally dedicated with this hand-rendered tribute

on June 2, 1956 to Frederic A. Alden – the School’s Headmaster from 1920-1956.CommOffering the CGPS community a rare glimpse into our illustrious past by publishing photographs and memorabilia from the school’s rich archives.

From the Archives

A look back to the Columbia News, One Hundred Years ago in 1916

From Page 15“A few days before the ‘News’ is to go to the printer the Form Editor takes his pen in hand and drops it in the ink well. Splendid! So far so good. He then leans back in his chair and thinks. What shall he write about...?”

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #375NASHUA, NH

Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School5 West 93rd Street New York, NY 10025(212) 749-6200www.cgps.org

Front Cover Art:Mountains: Lili Wagshal ’25Penguins: Sasha Estime ’23 & Amanda Wood ’23

Back Cover Art:Class of 2021

columbiana today 2016

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